2CORINTHIANS , Sarah Barry
A LIFE THAT COMMENDS GOD’S MINISTRY
Passage: 2_Corinthians 6:1~13  
Key verse: 3
6 As God’s co-workers(A) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.(B) 2 For he says,
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul’s Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,(D) so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments(E) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;(F) 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit(G) and in sincere love;(H) 7 in truthful speech(I) and in the power of God;(J) with weapons of righteousness(K) in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor,(L) bad report(M) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;(N) 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,(O) and yet we live on;(P) beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;(Q) poor, yet making many rich;(R) having nothing,(S) and yet possessing everything.(T)
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.(U) 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children(V)—open wide your hearts(W) also.
Footnotes
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 49:8
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 : S 1Co 3:9; 2Co 5:20
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 : 1Co 15:2
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 : Isa 49:8; Ps 69:13; Isa 55:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 : S Mt 5:29; Ro 14:13, 20; 1Co 8:9, 13; 9:12; 10:32
- 2 Corinthians 6:5 : Ac 16:23; 2Co 11:23-25
- 2 Corinthians 6:5 : 1Co 4:11
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 : 1Co 2:4; 1Th 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 : Ro 12:9; 1Ti 1:5
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : 2Co 4:2
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : 2Co 4:7
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 : Ro 13:12; 2Co 10:4; Eph 6:10-18
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : 1Co 4:10
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : 1Co 4:13
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 : Mt 27:63
- 2 Corinthians 6:9 : S Ro 8:36
- 2 Corinthians 6:9 : 2Co 1:8-10; 4:10, 11
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : S Mt 5:12; 2Co 7:4; Php 2:17; 4:4; Col 1:24; 1Th 1:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : 2Co 8:9
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : Ac 3:6
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 : Ro 8:32; 1Co 3:21
- 2 Corinthians 6:11 : 2Co 7:3
- 2 Corinthians 6:13 : S 1Th 2:11
- 2 Corinthians 6:13 : 2Co 7:2
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Source:  BibleGateway
Paul’s life of serving also showed the sincerity of his heart and the genuineness of his love for the people he served. It pained Paul greatly to see people in the churches get caught up in bitter disputing and judging. It showed that their hearts were still narrow and petty. He urged them to consider his example and love each other with wide-open hearts.
Prayer: Father, thank you for calling me as your servant. Give me a clear attitude to serve patiently with love and win the spiritual victory.
One Word: As servants of God we have everything